more than storage — it's a check.
Before anything is lodged, I check your will was signed, dated and witnessed correctly. A will that wasn't done properly doesn't work — and you'd never know until it was too late.
Then it's lodged with HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and you get the official certificate of deposit to keep.
no annual fees. ever.
what you get
- A check that it was signed, dated and witnessed correctly.
- A scanned copy kept on record.
- The HMCTS deposit fee — included.
- Posting and recorded delivery, handled.
- The HMCTS certificate of deposit, for you to keep.
- An executor card: the reference, where the will is, and who to contact.
- A one-page sheet explaining what to do if you ever make a new will.
what if nobody can find it?
Wills kept in a drawer get lost, damaged or thrown away. If the original can't be found, the law can assume you destroyed it on purpose — and your estate is dealt with as if there were no will at all. Lodged with HMCTS, it's safe, and your executors know exactly where it is.
questions
is it really one-off?
Yes. £249 covers that will, with no annual fees. If you make a new will later, it needs a new deposit — the old one doesn't carry over. [CONFIRM: per will or per couple]
how long does it take?
Allow around four weeks for the certificate of deposit to arrive.
what if I want my will back?
You can withdraw it from HMCTS. Withdrawal is free, and also takes around four weeks.
where is it stored?
With HM Courts and Tribunals Service, which runs the deposit service for England and Wales.
Wills are deposited with HM Courts and Tribunals Service, which does not endorse, approve or accredit this service. The HMCTS deposit service covers England and Wales.